THE
history of Switzerland is one
long chapter devoted to freedom.
How the unconquerable
mountaineers fought for and
preserved their liberty is
written on the annals of the
glorious nation. It was an
arduous struggle and had it not
been for their devotion,
Switzerland would not be a
republic to-day. Notwithstanding
the small territory this country
occupies, the character of its
mountain dwellers and the
burghers of its larger cities is
very different. The latter are
ingenious mechanics and staid
merchants the former a jolly
peasantry inured to out-door
life.

The
Monastery of St. Bernard and the
dogs which take their name from
that noble institution are
universally known. These animals
round whose necks a small flask
of brandy has been fastened, and
around whose body a warm blanket
is strapped, penetrate the wild
storms of their mountain heights,
and finding a poor wayfarer
overcome by the snow and weather,
revive him to consciousness, and
if he is unable to follow them to
the shelter of the cloister, call
for aid, and have him brought
inside those hospitable walls.
The Edelweiss, which grows only
on the peaks of the Alps, is a
beautiful blossom of velvety
white. It is much sought after,
but not without great risk to
life and limb. These flowers are
easily pressed and retain their
beauty for years.

The
Swiss mountaineers are splendid
shots, and their favorite game is
the chamois, a goat-like
antelope, which dwells among the
Alps. It has a wonderful power of
scent, has great speed, and can
leap enormous chasms. The true
chamois-leather comes from this
animal.

Mountain-climbing
is greatly practised in
Switzerland by both native and
foreign tourists who annually
visit this picturesque country in
large numbers. The ascents to the
summits are not without danger.

NOTE: To see non-Arbuckle usage of this
supposedly copyrighted Arbuckle illustration,click here.